SB-420 Synthetic cannabinoid compounds.(2011-2012)

Bill Start

An act to add Section 11357.5 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to controlled substances.

[
Approved by
Governor
October 02, 2011.
Filed with
Secretary of State
October 02, 2011.
]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SB 420, Hernandez.
Synthetic cannabinoid compounds.

Existing law, the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifies controlled substances into 5 designated schedules, with the most restrictive limitations generally placed on controlled substances classified in Schedule I, and the least restrictive limitations generally placed on controlled substances classified in Schedule V. Under existing law, the sale or distribution of specified intoxicating substances is a crime, punishable by imprisonment or a fine or both. Existing law makes the possession of not more than 28.5 grams of marijuana an infraction, and the possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana a misdemeanor, as specified. Existing law makes possession of marijuana for sale a felony.

This bill would make it a misdemeanor to sell, dispense, distribute, furnish, administer, or give, or offer to sell, dispense, distribute, furnish, administer, or give, or possess for sale any synthetic cannabinoid
compound or any synthetic cannabinoid derivative. Because this bill would create a new crime it would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Digest Key

Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 11357.5 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:

11357.5.

(a) Every person who sells, dispenses, distributes, furnishes, administers, or gives, or offers to sell, dispense, distribute, furnish, administer, or give, or possesses for sale any synthetic cannabinoid compound, or any synthetic cannabinoid derivative, to any person, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(b) As used in this section, the term “synthetic cannabinoid compound” refers to any of the following substances:

SEC. 2.

No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.